Carphedon at the Crossroads: A Dangerous Drug or a Promising Psychopharmaceutical?

Abstract

Carphedon is a phenyl derivative of the nootropic drug piracetam (Nootropil) and is effective in increasing physical endurance and cold resistance and is used for amnesia treatment. It was developed in Russia as a stimulant to keep astronauts awake on long missions, and occasionally used in Russia as a nootropic prescription for various types of neurological disease. It became well known a couple years ago when a leading nootropic supplier in California started selling it on the Internet as a supplement and a bunch of athletes got kicked out of the Olympics for illegal using it. Carphedon was found to activate the operant behavior more powerfully, to remove psychodepressant effects of diazepam, to inhibit post-rotational nystagmus, and to prevent the development of retrograde amnesia. Unlike piracetam, carphedon exhibits a specific anticonvulsant action. When given in high doses, produces psychodepressant effects. It is also claimed to increase physical stamina and provide improved tolerance to cold. As a result, it appears on the lists of banned substances issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency.